Free in-kind benefit: VAT activation via Xerius.

What does the benefit cover?

Xerius is a business counter (ondernemingsloket) and social insurance fund. When you start your business, your VAT number has to be activated. Through the partnership with Gentrepreneur, that VAT activation is free for members — a formality you would normally pay for.

How does it work? (updated procedure)

1. Book a coaching session via gentrepreneur.startium.be.
2. Discuss your start-up with your coach: is the timing right, do you already have your company number, and is VAT activation really the next step?
3. Your coach makes the introduction to Xerius through the introduction system on Startium.
4. Xerius contacts you and arranges the activation of your VAT number.

Why through a coach?

The introduction makes sure the benefit goes to people who are actually ready for this step, and lets your coach check that your start-up is set up correctly (company number, activities in the CBE, VAT scheme or the small business exemption).

Good to know

• You are not obliged to join Xerius as your social insurance fund: you are free to choose any fund. If you go to another business counter to start up, you do not have to let them handle the VAT activation (counters usually charge an administrative fee for it): you can activate your VAT number yourself, online and for free.

• Think ahead about the VAT exemption scheme for small businesses (turnover below €25,000). It affects how your VAT number is activated.

Related

• In-kind benefits and discounts via Gentrepreneur
• VAT & the exemption for small businesses